ICAST 2012 Starts Wednesday, July 11th in Orlando, Florida

ICAST 2012 Returns to Orlando, Florida

This year, the American Sportfishing Association (ASA) is bringing the world’s largest sportfishing trade show, the International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades, better known as ICAST, back to the East Coast.

The FTA Team Returns to Orlando in 2012

ICAST will be held July 11-13, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. From buyers to media to exhibitors, ICAST annually attracts more than 7,000 representatives from the international sportfishing community to conduct business, network with industry leaders and see all the latest innovations in gear, apparel and accessories.

ICAST is the only place where buyers and media can see sportfishing manufacturers’ entire product lines; save money and time by taking advantage of ICAST-only product specials; attend business-related seminars;network with industry leaders and entrepreneurs; learn about sportfishing’s future withKeepAmericaFishing™; and help shape the 2013 consumer market by voting in the New Product Showcase for the “Best of Show” awards in 21 product categories and the overall “Best of Show.”

“The last time we were in Orlando for ICAST was 2009. At that time, the U.S. economy was being hit by one of the worst recessions in many, many years,” said ASA President and CEO Mike Nussman. “To everyone’s satisfaction, ICAST 2009 was a great show with excellent attendance by buyers and media. Bringing the show to Florida, the number one fishing state in the country, and within driving distance for many industry folks in the Southeast region, turned out to be an excellent decision. We’re working hard to ensure that exhibitors and attendees alike have a great trade show experience in 2012.”

The New Product Showcase “Best of Show” Awards

There is no doubt that the single most important feature for exhibitors and attendees is the New Product Showcase, which is ICAST’s flagship feature. The New Product Showcase, sponsored by Fishing Tackle Retailer, provides buyers and media representatives a special opportunity to preview hundreds of next season’s innovations in fishing gear, apparel, accessories and boats debuted by ICAST 2012 exhibitors.

Buyers and credentialed media will evaluate each new product and vote for the “Best of Show” in 21 categories and the overall “Best of Show.” The winners will be announced during the Chairman’s Industry Awards Reception, sponsored by Frabill, Inc., on Wednesday, July 11, from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., in the convention center, Hall B, Third Floor, Room W311. All badged ICAST attendees and exhibitors are welcome to attend.

ICAST 2012 Sponsors

ASA would like to thank its generous members who have already signed on as ICAST sponsors. Our ICAST 2012 sponsors are: Gold sponsors -Crocodile Bay Resort; Fishing Tackle Retailer; Frabill, Inc.; NBC Sports Network; Outdoor Channel; Take Me Fishing™; and WFN: World Fishing Network. Silver sponsors – Dave Mercer’s Facts of Fishing; Gemini Sport Marketing; In-Fisherman; Koppers Fishing & Tackle Corp.; North American Fisherman; and Simms. Bronze sponsors - Bass Minder; Classic Fishing Products; and Columbia. This list is current as of May 31, 2012.

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Read the full press release HERE

The American Sportfishing Association (ASA) is the sportfishing industry's trade association, committed to looking out for the interests of the entire sportfishing community. We give the industry a unified voice speaking out when emerging laws and policies could significantly affect sportfishing business or sportfishing itself. We invest in long-term ventures to ensure the industry will remain strong and prosperous as well as safeguard and promote the enduring economic and conservation values of sportfishing in America. ASA also gives America’s 60 million anglers a voice in policy decisions that affect their ability to sustainably fish on our nation’s waterways through KeepAmericaFishing™, our angler advocacy campaign. America’s anglers generate more than $45 billion in retail sales with a $125 billion impact on the nation's economy creating employment for more than one million people.

Golden Dorado of Salto Grande, Uruguay River

In Search of Gold... the Golden Dorado of the Uruguay River Exclusive Tail Waters In October 2011 I finally had the fortunate opportunity to fish the Uruguay River Exclusive Tail Waters beneath the dam of Salto Grande reservoir located at the Argentina-Uruguay border. Over the last few years I had heard some pretty incredible stories about this destination and the fresh water dynamo - the Golden Dorado – that reside in this river. After having been there and immersed in the challenge, I can verify that these astonishing accounts about the monster Dorados of Salto Grande were not simply “fish stories” but were absolutely genuine. I use the word dynamo here because it has in its meaning…hard-working and tirelessly energetic. That describes what the locals call “The River Tiger” quite well…with razor sharp teeth and bone hard jaws, this golden torpedo often engages in leaping aerial displays 4-7 times, or more, per hook up. No other destination in the world offers such Giants of the Golden Dorado like this Exclusive Tail Waters below the Salto Grande Dam. The fishery is rigorously restricted, controlled, managed and maintained. Government concessions are contracted to one outfitter on the Argentina side of the River and one outfitter on the Uruguay side. Remember, these Salminus brasiliensis live in fast and highly turbulent waters. They are 10x strong because of it and they never let up after hook up. If you can manage to keep them “hooked up,” you’re in for a exhaustive tango with one of the hardest working and most tirelessly energetic freshwater game fish on the planet today! They will wear you out and take even the most “veteran” angler to the mat on more than several occasions. Until you become familiar with The River Tiger’s “game” you will find success rare in bringing the Golden Dynamo to the landing cradle. Looking for the fishing adventure of a lifetime? This one sits right at the top. Think of it this way. In approximately one square mile over 20 world records of various classes have been taken for this species. It is estimated that in the last three seasons over 500 Dorado have been successfully landed over 40#. We are pleased to be aligned with Luis Browns’ River Plate Dorado’s, outfitters for the Uruguay side. I can assure you that River Plate Dorado’s fits the bill in keeping with our motto…“sport fishing outfitters with a passion for excellence.” Patrick Brown, the operations manager and host for River Plate Dorado’s, as well as the entire staff and support crew share this same passion for “exceeding the expected.” Your accommodations, fine dining and amenities at the Hotel Horacio Quiroga Thermal Spa and Resort take this destination to the top of our list of exotic sport fishing destinations! Plan a fishin’ expedition someday soon in search of the “River Tiger” or the Golden Dorado of the Uruguay River. Your fishing adventure of a lifetime is just a phone call away…call anytime! Tighter lines are in order, David Fields International Angler/Outfitter  www.fishingtheAmericas.com Fishing the Americas most exciting and exotic sport fishing adventure destinations

Mike Leech Reports "Great Trip" on the Amazon Santana

Click here for the Amazon Santana Information

PEACOCKS FROM THE AMAZON SANTANA

Any true angler that has never fished for “Giant Peacock Bass” in the Amazon must absolutely put it on their bucket list! Those that have had the experience are, no doubt, looking forward to their next opportunity to return. My trip on the Amazon Santana was not my first time fishing in the Amazon, and I was pleasantly surprised at the comfortable accommodations on the yacht. It “far” exceeded my expectations and was considerably better than previous houseboats from which I had fished on the Rio Negro.

Our group met the Amazon Santana at Barcelos on the Rio Negro, and the crew handled our luggage and rod cases from the time we got off the plane until it was delivered to our cabins. Those that chose not to bring their own rods and reels were provided with good tackle, unlike some of the other trips I had been on. After a hot buffet lunch, pairs of anglers joined their guides and were able to get in several hours of fishing on arrival day.

The experienced guides, most of whom spoke English, constantly amazed me. Although the Amazon Santana moved each day in order to fish new water,they seemed to know each area like the back of their hands. With no charts, no GPS and no channel markers on the river they navigated the thousands of islands, rivers, lagoons, creeks and hidden lakes in order to seek out the best hot spots. In addition to catching Speckled, Orinoco and Butterfly Peacocks, we caught numerous other species unique to the Amazon basin which was always fun. Our guide led us to several big Peacocks including a 23, 21, 20 and 19 lb bass. The 20 lb Peacock was caught on fly tackle.

Our week long experience included, on different days, a shore lunch, barbecue dinner on a sand bar, dining under the stars on the top deck, and even an optional visit to a local native village. Except for an occasional fly, mosquitoes and other pesky critters were almost non existent. Returning to the yacht each day after 10 or 11 hours of fishing, we were met with a cold drink and a welcome cold damp towel. The food was plentiful and the bar was open all week.

All in all, it was a great experience which I am looking forward to experiencing again some day.

Mike Leech, Former president of IGFA

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FISHING REPORT

Location: Rio Negro/Amazon River/Manaus Brazil

Trip Date: December 10 - December 18, 2010

Group Size: 17 Anglers

# of Days: 6 – (4 late-arrival anglers fished 5 days only)

Numbers: 779

Size: 10 lb.’ers – 6, 11 lb.’ers – 1, 12 lb.’ers – 2, 13 lb.’ers – 2,

14 lb.’ers – 1, 15 lb.’ers – 4, 16 lb.’ers – 2, 17 lb.’ers – 1,

18 lb.’ers – 2, 19 lb.’ers – 2, 20 lb.’ers – 1, 21 lb.’ers – 2,

22 lb.’ers – 2, 23 lb.’ers – 1, and 24 lb.’ers – 1

(non-published were under 10#)

Water Level: Although the water levels were by no means “too” high, the jungle was unusually quiet during our trip. This might have been one of the reasons that the fishing was a bit slow for this week.

Baits Used: Lures of choice for this trip were Jumping Minnows, Zara Spooks, and Jigs.

Notes: All in all, everyone had a good trip and appreciated the efforts of the Guides and Staff. There were quite a few compliments on the accomodations being great as well as the food, and service, being exceptional.